SSM Health is supporting homeless families and local domestic violence efforts through a $20,000 gift to the St. Katharine Drexel/St. Vincent de Paul and Solution Center’s Homeless Family program, as well as the Solution Center’s Domestic Violence Program.

The check was presented by Laura Nakielski, SSM Health Community Health Specialist – Senior. The donation was received by Amy Loof, Solutions Center & St. Katharine Drexel Homeless Shelter executive director, and Britany Behring, grant and fundraising coordinator.

Funds will help the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter/St. Vincent de Paul, which provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, and case management to 36 single men and women offering support that helps individuals regain stability. It will also support the Solution Center’s Homeless Family Program, which provides shelter and housing support for 15 families experiencing homelessness, ensuring a pathway toward permanent housing solutions.
“Our mission is to restore hope and stability through personalized advocacy, housing assistance, safety planning, and prevention services, empowering individuals and families to rebuild their lives with dignity and long-term support,” according to Loof. “Our work alleviates the burden on public systems by offering focused interventions that prevent chronic homelessness and reduce alliance on emergency medical services.”

Solutions Center Shelter and Support Services is also benefiting as it works to support individuals and families affected by domestic violence. The team provides emergency shelter, crisis intervention, legal and housing advocacy, child and teen advocacy, and prevention services to survivors with the goal is ensure safety, empowerment, and long-term stability for those escaping violence.

“We greatly value all the efforts that these passionate teams are lending to those who face homelessness or domestic violence,” Nakielski says. “We know that the number of individuals and families that are facing difficult financial times continues to grow, and it’s important that their needs are met through the support of others. By providing these valuable resources at a most vulnerable time, we can help empower individuals and families to find solid footing again.”

In 2024, SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac’s community benefit ministry totaled more than $568,000 across the communities it serves. This investment helps ensure access to health care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured, train the next generation of health professionals to care for those in need, and fund programs to address the most pressing health needs of our communities.

Laura Nakielski (center), SSM Health Community Health Specialist – Senior, presents a $20,000 gift to Amy Loof, Solutions Center & St. Katharine Drexel Homeless Shelter executive director, and Britany Behring, grant and fundraising coordinator.